Bulls Come to Agreement with Jimmer Fredette

Jimmer Fredette, who negotiated his release from the Sacramento Kings earlier this week, cleared waivers and will join the Chicago Bulls. ESPN Chicago’s Nick Friedell first reported the agreement. After Friday night’s impressive win over the Mavericks, the Bulls improved to 32-26–good for second place behind the Pacers in the Central Division.

The Wooden Award-winner had struggled in his nearly three seasons with the Kings, showing signs of his BYU brilliance when given the minutes but mostly appearing as a disappointment not meeting the massive expectations Fredette’s many fans had for the point guard. Fredette averaged 5.9 points and 1.5 assists per game with the Kings this season. He had experienced a decline in playing time from his first two Kings campaign, enjoying just over 11 minutes per game. His outside shooting remains superb. Though he lacks the requisite attempts to appear on official statistical leader boards, Fredette’s 49.3 percentage from behind the three-point arc bests all other NBA shooters.

There’s no confirmation that he will suit up against the New York Knicks tomorrow, the team the Glens Falls, New York-native had cheered growing up. Fredette scored a career-high 24 points against New York in February.

A veteran NBA scout negatively assessed Fredette’s prospects in the NBA earlier this week in a Breitbart Sports exclusive. Calling Fredette “physically inferior,” the scout observed: “He can’t guard people. He can’t free himself. He can’t get to the rim.” Nevertheless, the scout maintained that Fredette could contribute more than he has in Sacramento if placed on the right team. “If Jimmer got in another system, he might be able to do some good,” the talent evaluator contends. “I think Jimmer is a terrific open shooter. He has an offensive skill-set. He has the desire.”